Music Monday 29 :: Denyce Graves

I recently saw Denyce Graves perform in Columbus, Ohio. I did not know what to expect. I've been to an opera before, but not a performance by a solo opera singer. I thought that after a while, it would be slow and somewhat boring. It was totally not that.

The performance was recital style. She was accompanied by her pianist Warren Jones.

It was a fabulous show. Graves' voice is phenomenal. Just so rich and full. Of course she did the piece from "Carmen". Love that. But she also did some little ditties that she called 'half minute' pearls of wisdom - hilarious. They were indeed wise words and often funny and on point. I should have written one or two of them down. It was so unexpected.

It was also nice that prior to some pieces, she would give some background information. Her preview was quite entertaining.

She looked wonderful. She first came out in a blue gown. Then following the intermission, she wore a yellow gown. I liked yellow gown best.

I had a chance to interview Graves the day before her performance and she mentioned that one of her most memorable performances was at the 9/11 Ceremony at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. There she sang "America the Beautiful" and "The Lord's Prayer". Her version of "America the Beautiful" will bring tears to your eyes. It does for me. Unfortunately, I've been unable to locate her version on the Web. You'll have to settle for "Carmen". I'm certain that you will love it, heck, you might even come away thinking that you've got the chops to sing "Carmen"... nothing wrong w/singing along.

Who Wants Cupcakes

I've decided that I don't like cakes and cupcakes as much as I like pies. I love, love pies. But I do like a nice, warm cake w/some ice cream.

But when I saw this cute little bakery the other day, I knew that I could not just ogle and move on ... at least not w/out a sample. It's such a happy and colorful place, but not over the top.

Bakery Gingham is nestled in the old town neighborhood of German Village in Columbus, Ohio. It's only so big, but big enough to have two nice sized display cases of sweet treats. I almost went for a cookie: snicker doodles, peanut butter, no bakes and more.

But then I sidled up to to the other display case where there was a nice selection of cupcakes including Red Velvet and Peanut Butter, but I settled on the Oreo's cupcake. The woman in the store said she liked it and said that it has almond in it and you can actually taste the almond.



I thought I would nibble on the cupcake later that day especially after having had a big breakfast, but no ... the thought of almond and Oreo's permeated my mind and I ripped into the cute little cupcake carry case and took a swipe at the icing. Not bad. I like whipped cream frosting, but this was not too sweet. Then I took a pinch of the cupcake ... ooooh. Yes! Then another pinch. Then just let me get that piece of Oreo ... you'd think I gobbled the entire thing up, but I did not. But it will be all gone soon though. Quite tasty says the pie lover.

President Obama comes to Columbus

President Barack Obama visited Columbus, Ohio for the first time since he became president. He was in town for the City of Columbus' Police Recruit Class Graduation. They nearly lost their jobs due to a lack of funds, but thanks to the economic stimulus package, there are now 25 new officers in the city.

I covered the visit for WOSU.

There were some funny things that happened. At least somewhat amusing. At least to me.



I arrived at the venue, the Aladdin Shrine Center around 9 a.m. w/plenty of time to get settled, but when I got there and headed toward the parking lot. The line did not move for some time and I considered going to park somewhere else, then the line began to move. Then it dawned on me - they're going to sweep the car ... meaning, they're going to do a search. No, I did not panic. I had decided to drive my car since the venue was closer to my house than the office.

Now, there is absolutely nothing in my car, but it was/is in major disarray - I have been meaning to take the back seat out, meanwhile it us just there disheveled. But that is not the funny part. The driver's side window doesn't come down, so when they came up to my car, I opened the door and said "hello". They said "will you pop the hood so we can inspect it?" I proceeded to get out of the car, because on the Jeep Wrangler there is no popping the hood or anything, so I began to tell them how to open the hood. Then I had to key open the back hatch, then I had to key open the glove box. Unfortunately, I did not grab my camera while all of this was in progress. Though I am sure that would have disallowed it. And of course, there was the police dogs to sniff out the cars as well. The process took less than ten minutes.

Next I got my credentials from the press check in area. Then I got escorted to the entrance and security check for media. I did not get completely unassembled, but my keys and cell phone did get separated from me for just a bit. Somehow, I or they managed to snap a picture during the search of my equipment bag.

Oh, then I get checked in to the media area and I ask where is the 'malt box' (a piece of equipment that allows media to record sound directly from the in-house sound system) so that I can plug in for audio. Someone says, there is no malt box. No way. I request for them to find someone who can help me. A few minutes later, a guy arrives and shows me the radio work space - complete w/a 'malt box'. Whew.

The rest is just the basics ... wait and see. That's right, by the time I got through all of that, it was still about an hour before the ceremony was scheduled to begin @ 10:30 a.m. So I milled around trying to find some recruits' families members to talk to me. No luck. Actually, I think the family members were up front and I could not get to that area.

But while hanging out in the foyer before the ceremony, I was able to ask a few of the recruits some questions (along w/a radio reporter from WTVN). That was a good get since they were hard to get to when the ceremony was over.

While my audio recorder was recording the ceremony, I was taking pictures to go along w/my story.

When the ceremony ended, I went back to the area where my recorder was and there was another guy in the area. So friendly ole me says hello and then I introduce myself. He's says "Oh, I'm Don Gonyea". Very cool. I already know - he's from NPR; and the White House Coorespondent. I hear his voice all the time. I'm sure you do too. He even let me take a photo.

There was also a 'Press Filing Room". I walked in there and there were beverages and snacks and tables lined up. I walked around a bit and noticed the various media outlets labeled for seating: New York Times, FOX, etc. Then there's a door w/a sign that says "White House Press". I get the impression that this room is not for me ... I make my way back the way I came in before I am kindly asked to leave.

And to wrap things up ... While walking out, I decided to see if there were any family members who would talk ... jackpot. Found one; one of the new officers moms. That's all I needed.

By now, it's nearly 12 noon and I'm in need of a meal and a beverage. Then to the office to work on the story. Oh, I did not even mention the Secret Service; well, of course, they were there. Enough said.

Winter Storm 2009

The first major winter storm of 2009 hits the Buckeye State.

Podcamp Ohio

The countdown to Podcamp Ohio is here. I had planned on attending, but my brother is getting married that same day. Lucky me most all of the sessions will be available as a guess what? Podcast. Yeah me.

I've been following the podcamp Ohio listing on Twitter as well as checking out their Google Group thread.

Here's the opportunity to get lots of information on podcasting, for both video and audio, network as well. I'm sure there are wonderful speakers who will make presentations. Just an all around good event and for free.

The White-Baer Wedding

What a good time. I have managed to avoid being in a wedding until now ... I don't think anyone has had an experience quite like this one. I am so pleased that I accepted the invitation to be in this wedding.

Now, I would not normally blog about something as personal as a wedding, but Ryan White and April Baer have been publically writing and blogging about this event for some time, so the gate has been opened.

The sign that it would be a worry-free affair began at the bridal shower when the bride-to-be told me that I could wear the dress I had on at the bridal shower to the wedding ... well, thanks, but no thanks. But what she intended to say was that it would be a laid back and stressless affair. I did end up selecting a dress from my wardrobe that was more like 'I'm a bridesmaid' and less like 'I'm attending the wedding'.

The affair was in the state's capital and the weather cooperated, if heat index of 90 is deemed cooperation; it could have been thunderstorms, which is what we got on Sunday, the day after the wedding. Oh, did I say that it was an outdoor wedding ... yeah, at 2 p.m. It was indeed brief, maybe 20 minutes, then to the cool reception hall.

The couple thanked their families prior to saying the vows and I thought that was a nice gesture. They had a celebrant officiate the wedding - don't ask ...

Then it was eating and dancing and drinking, well, folks had been drinking for quite sometime ... and this is where the story ends. When alcohol has been consumed from 2 in the afternoon until 2 in the morning, there are more than enough stories that can not be told here ... let's just say that it was a festive and memorable wedding - my first wedding as a bridesmaid. Oh, and no, the bride will NOT be changing her last name - here's why.